"Master", said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you" (Luke 9:49,50).

An aspect Brooksyne and I enjoy about our present ministry is the way we observe God using a variety of people, ministries, and churches to accomplish His purpose. We not only hear from people all over the world but from those who voluntarily express their identity with a particular denomination. At times we are surprised by the wide array of readers from different denominational backgrounds! There seems to be a leveling of commonality in a writing ministry like this. Hopefully these daily encouragement messages express Biblical truth that all we who love the Lord hold in common.

John was puzzled in our daily verse. This was not John the Baptist but the apostle John who would later write the gospel bearing his name along with three short epistles (letters) and finally a revelation of the end times. But he reveals an interesting character quality in today's text which brought about a reprimand from the Lord followed by a word of instruction. The attitude John displayed is common to our day and I am sure all through church history.

"Master", said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." John (and probably the other disciples) had a hard time with someone working for God that wasn't in their "group". Notice the phrase "not one of us." I assume by this phrase he meant not one of the twelve disciples, who certainly were a distinct group of Christ's followers. However, even during the ministry of Christ on earth we have a record of others in service for Him such as the Seventy he sent out.

I am sure John expected Jesus to commend him for his effort to stop this uncommissioned outsider. Something to the effect of "Way to go John, you men are to keep this service exclusively in our circle."

But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you."

I've often wondered who this man was who was driving out demons in Christ's name. Had he been a disciple of John the Baptist? Perhaps he was associated with the Seventy. We just don't know.

But Jesus instructed: "Do not stop him." Is there a lesson for us here? I believe so. God is working today and not always in ways we fully understand. We must be careful that we don't misplace our focus. We might have an attitude similar to John and wonder why God seems to be working through groups or individuals who might differ from our views in their technique or giftings, or who may vary in their interpretation of the "gray" areas of Scripture.

Let me be very clear that we must be in agreement regarding the black and white teachings of Scripture, which are non-negotiable. These doctrines are the basis of which we build a common Christian foundation, no matter the name of our denomination. But those who might be smug or sanctimonious about their religious affiliations may very well need to hear the voice of the Master say: "Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you."

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer:Father, we join our spirits with Your spirit so that the whole world will know that we are one in You. We unite in purpose and oneness of heart as we go into the world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to every region and every race. A people that is divided against itself will surely fall, but a people united by a common foundation, motivated by the same purpose, will be strengthened. We look to You, as our Head, to impassion us with the desire to work together in rescuing the perishing as we trample down the forces of evil. Your redemptive love binds our hearts together in perfect unity.

Brooksyne's Note: Today's message stirs up some painful memories as I think back to my immature faith as a teen. I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma where the majority of students in my junior and senior high school years were either Baptist or Pentecostal. We seemed to focus so much on our few differences that we failed to realize we were both serving the same Lord! I joined in these occasional discussions that were held before school or during the lunch hour and I can never remember either group winning a convert to their way of thinking. We were sincere in our walk with the Lord and wanted to see others come to faith in our school, but we were so divided in the distinctives of our denominational backgrounds that it fragmented our goal to reach friends who needed to surrender their lives to Christ. I believe if we had been united in the things upon which we agreed, which was far more than that which we disagreed upon, we would have seen greater numbers come to faith. Sadly, our discussions were actually an echo of what we heard at home or among church members.

Howling winds! Yesterday morning I was happily preparing the daily encouragement message while the cold wind howled outside. I was coming along pretty good and seemed to be on a creative roll when the power went out and I stared at a black screen. I hadn't been saving the work as I went along so guess what...

By the time the power came back on we had left for some chaplain visitation and it was too late when we got home to prepare a message, although thankfully the power was back on!

Let me tell you about a friend's encouragement and spiritual perspective. Bunny is a fellow chaplain whom I had called yesterday morning to inform that our power was out and we wouldn't be able to send out our daily encouragement message. He must have detected some discouragement in my voice so he returned a voice mail and reminded me: "Although the electric power is out there's always power in the blood!"

SUNRISE

The sun arose this morningAnd God is on His throneNo need to fret or worryThe Father loves His own.

So bid farewell to doubtingAnd welcome trust anewRest in the truth of Scripture...The Father cares for YOU!

David Fisher wrote this poem after viewing Tuesday's message, inspired by the sunrise photo. David is a long-time internet friend of ours who lives near Toronto Canada. He is a sport's chaplain and for many years was the chaplain for the Toronto Blue Jays. He has a wide encouraging influence that demonstrates the nature of internet encouragement. A reader wrote us from Dawson Creek in northeastern British Columbia Canada , which is at the start of the Alaska Highway. He has read our material for many years, initially referred by David! BTW if you think it's cold where you live he told me it was 30 below zero with about 45 below wind chill in Dawson Creek!

Tuesday evening I had the priviledge of conductiing the local memorial service for my friend, Tony Colagiovanni, whom I worked with for several years when I served as a chaplain at a local company. Tony was a vibrant, loving man who lived his life well. The CEO of his company, Ron Carkoski, gave a moving tribute to Tony, testifying to his work ethic and integrity. He was a man who lit up any room he entered with his big smile and enthusiastic signature response, "I'm doing just great" to those who asked "How are you?" Tony believed in Christ and I believe if his voice could reach us today he might say, "I told you I was doing just great [on earth], but I'm thriving beyond description here in heaven. "

Today's Suggested Music andSupplemental Resources

In my musical search today I discovered this song I had never heard before with a great message! "Just Stand" (Audio) I have been listening to it over and over. Here are the lyrics. We commend this song today to those who are going through a hard trial.

"He Reigns" (Audio) This song declares God's work among all His people all over the world, that He reigns!

Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? Thanks! See here for details. (2008 YTD financial offerings 1/21/2008 $595.00)

Join: To receive these free "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. You can also subscribe to the rss feed.Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link automatically placed by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each message.

Weekly Version: The weekly version is designed for those who do not check their email regularly. It is merely the Friday message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.)

Our other blogs:"A Daily Prayer" - The daily prayer from each daily encouragement message."A Little Foolishness" - A collection of humorous and satirical stories drawn mostly from our years of ministry, as well as my sometimes fertile imagination."Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the church. Musical playlists Classic hymns mixChristian eclectic mixDaily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD!

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Today the skies are overcast and rain is gently falling to the earth here in southcentral Pennsylvania. As I look through our large home office window I'm reminded that the rain is an indication of God's provisions for our daily needs. There's peace in my heart and order in my home and for all these blessings I give thanks to my faithful God.

But I merely click on an online news source or turn on a TV news show and I am barraged by scenes of turmoil from every region of the globe. There's no shortage of evidence that it's a dark world out there.

If you don't discern this spiritual darkness you're probably not spending enough time in the light of God's Word! You see, just as our physical eyes can adjust to a dark setting and then are pained by a sudden bright light, so our spiritual eyes can grow comfortable in darkness. After prolonged exposure to darkness, the light which we know is good, can actually be painful. You probably know people who are living in darkness but they don't even know it. They are so used to the darkness that any reference to light (Christ) is very irritating to them. This is the challenge we have in witnessing to our unsaved friends and family.

The Gospel of John has seven "I am" statements. The phrase 'I am' refers to the setting when God revealed His Name to Moses in Exodus 3. From the significant ways that Jesus used the "I am" phrase, we understand that He is essentially saying, "I am the full revelation of God." This is why the Scriptures say that if a person rejects Christ, he also rejects God.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." This is the second of His seven "I am" statements. It reveals Christ as the Illuminator, the One who brings the energy of light into our sin darkened world. In the introduction of John Jesus is described as "The true light that gives light to every man" (John 1:9). "The true light" stands in contrast to the many false sources of spiritual light. Only Christ is the true light!

Jesus directs the second part of the verse to His listeners and applies this spiritual truth to all His followers: "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

The simple stipulation Christ gives for staying in the light is directed to "whoever follows me." The Greek indicates that this is a present tense, meaning that we must have an ongoing, active relationship with Him.

The wonderful promise is that we who follow Christ "will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

The Bible instructs us to "walk in the Light!""But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Today, as we "walk in the light" we will dispel the depressing darkness of sin. It will not penetrate our hearts when the light of God's Word is hidden within, shining forth the brilliance of His glory.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer:Father, we choose to follow You all the days of our life. We find great assurance as we're reminded that we will not be engulfed by the surrounding evil but instead Your light will guide us to eternal blessing. Help us to walk by faith and not by sight holding onto Your promises as we continue to build a solid foundation through Your Holy Word. It is in the Name of Jesus that we pray to You today. Amen.

Today's Suggested Music andSupplemental Resources

"Here I Am To Worship" (Audio) "Light of the world you stepped down into darkness..."

Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? Thanks! See here for details. (2008 YTD financial offerings 1/21/2008 $595.00)

Join: To receive these free "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. You can also subscribe to the rss feed.Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link automatically placed by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each message.

Weekly Version: The weekly version is designed for those who do not check their email regularly. It is merely the Friday message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.)

Our other blogs:"A Daily Prayer" - The daily prayer from each daily encouragement message."A Little Foolishness" - A collection of humorous and satirical stories drawn mostly from our years of ministry, as well as my sometimes fertile imagination."Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the church. Musical playlists Classic hymns mixChristian eclectic mixDaily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD!

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4).

Curt and Bev Haldeman have been our friends since we moved to Pennsylvania early in 2001. Several years ago Curt, a farm equipment salesman, won a very unusual incentive prize for his outstanding sales work. He was awarded the opportunity to go down to the Atlanta Speedway and then was given driver training so that he could drive a genuine NASCAR racecar around the track eight laps.

Curt has shared the details with me several times and did so again yesterday with great enthusiasm, as they joined us for dinner. I am pretty sure that he would do it again if he had the opportunity and would likely share his remarkable experience with any who might be interested. I am sure there are a few NASCAR fans who read this. It was a very enjoyable experience for him. He managed to reach a top speed of 165 mph.

But when we talk about his children he shows an altogether different form of joy. His son John is in college and remaining faithful to the Lord as he prepares for a career in engineering and is now on a project as part of his studies. His daughter Julie is in Thailand on a "Youth With A Mission" (YWAM) team and shows an earnest heart to live for God and serve others. His youngest son Jeremy is still at home and active in his youth group. Ask Curt about his kids and this farm equipment salesman tears up with gratitude to God.

His children are treasures from God and it is evident that he values them above any of the temporal thrills this world has to offer. We can all identify with the excitement we feel when receiving a material gift. We also know the joyous anticipation that grows when we get to experience something out of the ordinary or as some would say "the opportunity of a lifetime."

But as parents one of the most blessed events to occur, taking us beyond the superficial or temporal experiences of life, is seeing evidence of spiritual life and growing faith in our children. We concur with the apostle John who wrote, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." Earthly delights and outstanding opportunities afforded us on earth do not transfer to heaven, but our children who walk in the truth do.

When he wrote the daily text he was likely referring to his spiritual children, those whom he had impacted for Christ. I have often used the passage in this way when I consider the growing blessedness of our impact on others over the long-haul. It's a great joy to hear from someone whom Brooksyne and I worked with years ago telling us of their faithfulness in following God.

However I believe the joy the apostle John speaks of surely includes our children in the flesh as well. Nothing brings greater joy or warms our hearts more as a parent than hearing others speak of the Christ-like qualities they observe in our children. This is true when people speak positively of our spiritual children as well which brings a double blessing to our hearts!

I know as I prepare this, that many of you have children who are not presently following in the ways of the Lord. What wrenching heartache this brings to godly parents. I encourage you not to give up but to pray unceasingly for your loved one. At times it seems your prodigal child(ren) is moving farther away, but keep looking for that joyful spiritual reunion when he or she again chooses to "walk in the truth." As much as we want to prevent them from crashing or falling deep into the pit it is often these heartbreaking events that finally move them from their spiritual slumber to a spiritual awakening.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer:Father, we as parents want to help build a Christ-centered home: with the teaching of Your Holy Word as our golden text for living. Help us to instill love for acquiring knowledge and imparting wisdom. May we be living examples of committed believers demonstrating those character qualities that bring glory and honor to You. Because You have given us so much You now require us to give much in return. May our home be a place that stimulates creativity, that offers opportunity for the study of music, of books, of hobbies where ideas can be shared and questions safely discussed. May Christ's presence permeate our conversation and synchronize our hearts.

Father Your creation reveals that You are a lover of beauty, color, simplicity, and creativity. When disunity or rebellion crashes the loving setting that we so greatly desire, help us to reflect Your character of endurance, faithfulness and self -control. Our example as leaders in the home is more often taken notice of when we're required to deal with the undesirable circumstances of life. May our family, in as much as it is possible, be a reflection of You whom we serve. Amen.

Brooksyne's note: I have often reflected upon the old proverb: "More is caught than is taught." Of course this means we could give daily discourses on how to live, but to be a picture of what we teach is even more powerful than a thousand words. Oh, yeah, that's a proverb also: "A picture is worth a thousand words."

"Hallelujah, What A Savior!" (Audio) I am so moved as I listen to this song! The text and music are by Philip P. Bliss who was born in Clearfield County PA, a short distance from where we lived for many years in northern PA. He lived at the time of DL Moody and worked with him. This grand old hymn goes through the entire gospel. I really like this version! If you can do so, sit back, turn up the volume and worship the Lord!

Man of Sorrows! what a nameFor the Son of God, who cameRuined sinners to reclaim.Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,In my place condemned He stood;Sealed my pardon with His blood.Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;Spotless Lamb of God was He;“Full atonement!” can it be?Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;“It is finished!” was His cry;Now in Heav’n exalted high.Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,All His ransomed home to bring,Then anew His song we’ll sing:Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? Thanks! See here for details. (2008 YTD financial offerings 1/21/2008 $595.00)

Join: To receive these free "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. You can also subscribe to the rss feed.Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link automatically placed by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each message.

Weekly Version: The weekly version is designed for those who do not check their email regularly. It is merely the Friday message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.)

Our other blogs:"A Daily Prayer" - The daily prayer from each daily encouragement message."A Little Foolishness" - A collection of humorous and satirical stories drawn mostly from our years of ministry, as well as my sometimes fertile imagination."Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the church. Musical playlists Classic hymns mixChristian eclectic mixDaily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD!

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

Over the past year I've had it on my heart to write today's message to fellow believers. All too frequently some nationally prominent Christian personality is exposed for being a fraud. In most cases when this happens I had serious reservations about their ministry all along and the reports were not surprising to me. But I consider the damage this leaves behind for people whom we seek to influence, especially those who are inclined to believe this represents genuine Christians.

But then I consider the ordinary people in each church I have served or attended and those I have worked with in various ministries. Most of you would not know of them since they serve in relative obscurity, as have the vast majority of genuine Christians all through this two thousand year church age.

We go back to our first little country church in southern Missouri and fondly recall Tracy and Beulah Sutherland, a dear godly couple who essentially lived as sustenance farmers off the small farm they owned. I don't suppose you ever heard of them unless you were in a church I served or read about them in a previous encouragement message. They were genuine Christians who left a lasting impact on our lives though we only fellowshipped with them for about 15 months.

Another couple we have come to greatly appreciate over the past seven years is Oren and Naomi Hostetter who lead an interesting ministry. They, along with several helpers, host a monthly luncheon called Golden Nuggets for the elderly in our area, most of whom are widowed and deal with serious health issues. Yesterday Brooksyne and I spoke to the group and shared our eagle story from Monday's encouragement message.

Oren and Naomi have a compassionate heart for those in need. Besides serving others in our own congregation they're very involved in Love INC, a compassionate helps ministry very active in Lancaster County. (Love INC stands for "Love in the Name of Christ.") Yet outside of our area very few have ever heard of them. Yet isn't it neat that most of you, wherever you may live, know people just like them! Genuine Christians giving genuine testimony to God's work in their lives as they reach out to the hurting among them. God's grace turns out men and women, just like Oren and Naomi, with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ.

I doubt that too many Bible readers have paid much attention to today's text even though it's in one of the most familiar books of the Bible. I will admit that I never preached on it. I know a man named Urban from northern Pennsylvania but I don’t know whether he was named after Urbanus. I doubt that it's listed in the book of popular names for babies!

Paul endeared himself to many people following his earth-shaking spiritual conversion on the Damascus Road. Several years ago I did a study of proper names associated with Paul beginning at his conversion in Acts and referenced in each of his epistles. Over 100 separate names are listed from the familiar, such as Timothy, to the more obscure like Urbanus. Actually the majority are obscure and we know virtually nothing about them except that they were faithful believers who had impacted Paul's life. Several of his epistles, like Romans, end with greetings to these dear friends.

Urbanus is mentioned only once in the entire Scriptures. He wasn't one of the "major players" like Paul and other famous Bible characters. Most readers, even those who faithfully read the Bible, have probably never paused to consider his role at all. But Paul calls him a "fellow worker" which is the sum total of biographical data we have on him.

Today consider genuine Christians you know (or have known) who have walk the road less traveled. Their heart's desire is to devote their lives to Jesus and make a difference for Him in the lives of those around them. Thank God for the many people they touched, including your own!

Be encouraged today.

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer:Father, there are those living among us who are "white-washed Christians." Outwardly they appear to be believers by their conversation and Christian-like lifestyle. They look like gentle sheep but they are really dangerous like wolves dressed in sheep's clothing. These deceivers will be exposed at Your appointed hour since nothing is hidden from You. But we also joyfully consider born-again believers whose hearts are genuinely devoted to You. Their spirit is obedient to You even when tested by fire. They live the noble life of a modern day disciple and show us the way through the narrow gate. The vast majority reject this road, but we know that is it the divine road that leads to internal peace and eternal life. May we, as true believers, extend our hands to others and walk them through this narrow gate that leads to life everlasting.

Brooksyne's Note: An old chorus comes to mind that I've sung many times around an altar with fellow believers who desired to be used of God in reaching others for the sake of the Gospel. If you know this chorus why don't you sing these words of consecration: "O to be Hishand extended, reaching out to the oppressed. Let me touch Him, let me touch Jesus, so that others may know and be blessed." If you don't know the tune, make it your heartfelt prayer today: "Father, Iwant to be Your hand extended reaching out to the oppressed. Let me touch You, let me touch You Jesus, so that others may know and be blessed."

Golden Nuggets

Yesterday we sat next to Agnes who had a very colorful personallty. Someone ask her how old she was and she replied, "I'm as old as my big toe but older than my teeth."

Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? Thanks! See here for details. (2008 YTD financial offerings 1/21/2008 $595.00)

Join: To receive these free "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. You can also subscribe to the rss feed.Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link automatically placed by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each message.

Weekly Version: The weekly version is designed for those who do not check their email regularly. It is merely the Friday message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.)

Our other blogs:"A Daily Prayer" - The daily prayer from each daily encouragement message."A Little Foolishness" - A collection of humorous and satirical stories drawn mostly from our years of ministry, as well as my sometimes fertile imagination."Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the church. Musical playlists Classic hymns mixChristian eclectic mixDaily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD!

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."